Himachal Pradesh Indira Gandhi Matru Shishu Sankalp Yojana

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• The Government of Himachal Pradesh has introduced the Indira Gandhi Matru Shishu Sankalp Yojana with the aim of improving the health and nutrition of mothers and young children across the state.
• The scheme focuses on reducing malnutrition and ensuring that every child receives adequate nutrition during the crucial early years of life.
• Its primary goal is to provide balanced and nutritious food so that children develop in a healthy manner and mothers remain strong during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period.
• A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on the first 1,000 days of a child's life, a stage considered vital for proper physical growth and brain development.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Health and Family Welfare Himachal Pradesh to ensure effective delivery of nutrition and related services.
• To run the programme smoothly across the state, the government has allocated Rs. 207.11 crore for its implementation.
• Through this initiative, the state government aims to support around 2,99,488 eligible beneficiaries.
• Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive supplementary nutrition rich in protein, essential calories, and important micronutrients to improve overall health.
• To further enhance dietary intake, the government also supplies milk, eggs, and fortified food premixes.
• The programme includes a system for early identification and continuous monitoring of severely and moderately malnourished children.
• Children identified as high-risk, including low birth weight infants, receive additional care, follow-up support, and referral services when required.
• Children below six years of age, along with pregnant women and lactating mothers, are eligible to receive nutritional support under this initiative of the Himachal Pradesh Government.
• The scheme also gives priority coverage to severely and moderately malnourished children and other high-risk groups so that they receive timely assistance.
• Eligible beneficiaries can complete their registration at the nearest Anganwadi Centre, where services under the scheme are delivered.
• At the center, Anganwadi workers verify eligibility and register mothers and children under the programme.
• Once the enrollment is completed, beneficiaries begin receiving nutritional support and other related services through the Anganwadi system.
• In addition, eligible women in the state may also apply for the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, under which the government provides monthly financial assistance to support women's welfare.

Scheme Benefits

• Beneficiaries will receive nutritious supplementary food enriched with protein, essential calories, and important micronutrients under the Indira Gandhi Matru Shishu Sankalp Yojana.
• To improve overall nutrition levels, items such as milk, eggs, and fortified food premixes will be provided.
• Severely and moderately malnourished children, along with low birth weight infants, will receive special nutrition support along with regular monitoring.
• The programme also strengthens the system for early detection, medical referral, and follow-up care for beneficiaries identified as high risk.
• A coordinated approach ensures that nutrition, health, and child care services are delivered together through different departments of the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Eligibility Requirements

• Families who are permanent residents of the state can apply for benefits under the Indira Gandhi Matru Shishu Sankalp Yojana.
• Children aged below six years qualify to receive supplementary nutrition support through the scheme.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also entitled to nutritional assistance provided under this programme.
• The scheme gives special priority to severely and moderately malnourished children, low birth weight infants, and other identified high-risk groups so that they receive timely support.

Required Documents

• Child Birth Certificate.
• Parents Aadhaar Card.
• ANC or MAMTA Card.
• Mobile Number.
• ANC Report.

Steps to Apply

• Eligible beneficiaries can register for the Indira Gandhi Matru Shishu Sankalp Yojana by visiting the nearest Anganwadi Centre.
• Applicants should go to the centre and approach the Anganwadi Worker to begin the enrollment process under the scheme.
• The Anganwadi Worker checks the eligibility of the applicant and completes the registration if all conditions are satisfied.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers can enroll by providing basic identity details along with necessary health information.
• Parents or guardians must also register children below the age of six years at the Anganwadi Centre.
• During routine health check-ups and growth monitoring sessions, Anganwadi staff identify children suffering from moderate or severe malnutrition and include them under the scheme.
• Once the registration process is completed, beneficiaries begin receiving nutritional assistance and related services through the Anganwadi Centre as part of the programme implemented by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• If applicants require any support or clarification about the scheme, they should contact the Anganwadi Worker at their local centre for guidance.

Relevant Links

• HP Health and Family Welfare Department Website.

Contact Information

• HP Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Number :- 0177-2621424.
• HP Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Email :- dirhealthdhs@gmail.com.